By Robin Mayes, Farm Educator
When my kids were growing up one of their favorite activities was a riddle-based treasure hunt. My many nieces and nephews also clamored for a Treasure Hunt any time we were all together for any occasion. Now my grandkids enjoy them, as well. For older kids, the clues can be difficult and may even require a bit of research or “googling.” For young ones, drawings or photos can lead them from clue to clue. There is no wrong way to do it! Your youngsters will LOVE whatever you come up with! The “treasure” also is not really the important thing so don’t worry about any elaborate gifts.
The Letterbox program that we present each summer in Preservation Parks is similar to a treasure hunt. Clues lead participants to different areas within each park where a box is hidden. It has gained in popularity each year, and it was with great sadness that we had to cancel it this summer due to the pandemic. However, it doesn’t take a lot of work to create your own adventure at home! Once you create one you will be surprised at how the ideas just start popping in your head!
As my family has grown, we have branched out into Amazing Races (we like to call them ‘Amayes’-ing Races hehe). Often, we celebrate special occasions with a treasure hunt around the county, similar to the Discover Delaware County Scavenger Hunt that Preservation Parks put together this summer as an alternative to the Letterbox Adventure.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your own Treasure Hunt adventure. Have fun creating a new family tradition!
A Simple Treasure Hunt
Children love the challenge of finding and following simple clues around the house and lawn to ultimately uncover the “treasure.” The treasure or prize need not be anything of great value. It is the fun of the hunt the kids will enjoy. It can be as simple as bubblegum or a coupon for a trip to the park.
You can make the search long or short. As easy or as complicated as you choose.
Use color-coded clues if you want each child to go at their own pace. It is also a good idea to assign “official readers” for each clue so that the older children include the little ones.
Various methods can be devised for concealing clues- inside a book or a Bible verse, put a clue in a file on a device, have them call a grandparent for a prearranged clue. You can even attach a clue to the collar of the family dog!
Various fun things can be used to reveal the location of the treasure. A crumpled piece of brown paper bag makes an impressive ‘treasure map.’
Small 9-piece jigsaw puzzles from the Dollar store are great on which to draw a map with X-marking the spot. Just use the back of the puzzle! Give them one piece of the puzzle at each clue. Or write a clue on the back of the puzzle and disassemble it and put the pieces all at one site.
Small letters can carefully be written on a blown-up balloon. Let the air out and leave the deflated balloon with this clue- To read this hint, use your hot air. Blow up the balloon and see your clue there.
Rhyme when you can! It makes reading the clues even more fun. (Why do you think Dr. Seuss is so well-loved?)
I have hidden clues inside a waterproof container and attached it to the end of the line on a fishing pole and cast it out into a pond. Key words can be written backwards and then read in a mirror.
There are many sophisticated ways to present clues. A little research will show you how to make scytale (rhymes with Italy) or you can create a number code. A combination padlock can present an added challenge!
Here are some simple clues for young children:
Are you ready for some fun?
You must follow the clues
So begin with number one.
Read each hint and use your mind.
Follow directions, the treasure to find!
Your first clue is hidden outside.
Look to the place where into the sky you ride. (Hide the clue on or near a swing)
- You have found your first clue!
Now you will be looking for clue number 2.
You will be looking for a certain tree.
Not an oak or a willow, you see. (Include a maple leaf to give them an added clue)
Look to the maple your clue to conceal.
The blowing leaves will it reveal. (hang the clue on a low branch.) - Scattered around the backyard you will find,
Five white rocks hidden in front of or behind,
Bushes or flowers or even a tree.
Arrange the rocks your next clue to see.
(paint 5 smooth pebbles white and paint a letter on each that when put in order spells the location of the next clue, such as: P A T I O)
